Environment ministers from the six GMS countries gathered in Chiang Mai, Thailand on 1 February 2018 to review the Core Environment Program’s (CEP) progress and achievements and endorse its new Strategic Framework and Action Plan, 2018-2022.

Key messages from the Forum on Green Growth (30-31 January) were also presented to the environment leaders, as well statements from CEP development partners. The ministers also issued a Joint Ministerial Statement which reaffirmed their shared commitment to build green, inclusive, and sustainable economies.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved over $100 million in financing to help the Government of Viet Nam install eight modernized irrigation systems in five drought-affected provinces, which will improve agricultural productivity, especially among farmers growing high-value crops such as coffee, peppers, grapes, dragon fruits, and mangoes.